In a startling revelation, it has been disclosed that Vice President Kamala Harris came perilously close to a "viable" pipe bomb outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters on January 6, 2021. This alarming incident coincided with the chaos of the Capitol riot.
According to NY Post, the presence of the explosive device near the DNC building underscores significant security overlooks during a critical moment in U.S. history.
According to a report by the Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog, obtained by ABC News, the pipe bomb had been stealthily planted in a bush outside the DNC headquarters the night before the riot. Despite the proximity of the vice president during her arrival at the building, the Secret Service's security sweep inexplicably missed the bomb.
Report Uncovers Lapses in Secret Service Protocol
Vice President Harris, under the assumed safety of her armored vehicle, came within a mere 20 feet of the deadly device. She entered the building through a ramp, completely unaware of the danger lurking so close by. It took nearly two hours—specifically one hour and 40 minutes—after her entry for the bomb to be detected.
This delay raises questions about the thoroughness of the security measures that were in place. With Harris inside, the DNC headquarters housed a significant risk for an extended period before the belated discovery of the pipe bomb.
Following the bomb's discovery, the Secret Service took prompt action, evacuating Vice President Harris within just 10 minutes. However, by then, she had already spent an hour and 50 minutes inside the premises.
The decision-making process and the security asset allocation during this period have been points of contention among federal security personnel. Notably, two canine teams from the Secret Service expressed their surprise over the lack of additional security resources during the initial sweep.
Updated Security Measures and Ongoing Threats
In response to this critical incident, the Secret Service has amended its protocols to include more comprehensive assets for protecting electoral officials. This policy update is a direct outcome of the oversights that January day.
Meanwhile, the identity of the individual who placed the pipe bomb, as well as another similar device at the Republican National Committee headquarters, remains unknown. Federal authorities continue their search, with the FBI offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
The FBI has highlighted the severe risk posed by the suspect, who was seen on security footage walking in proximity to the Capitol with the bombs. This person is not just a past threat but potentially continues to endanger public safety.
The gravity of the situation was captured in the FBI’s statement: "Although these bombs did not detonate, it is important to remember the suspect walked along residential and commercial areas in Capitol Hill just blocks from the U.S. Capitol with viable pipe bombs that could have seriously injured or killed innocent bystanders," the FBI stated.
Conclusion
The incident on January 6, 2021, where a viable pipe bomb was mere feet away from Vice President Kamala Harris, highlights a significant breach in security during a tumultuous period in U.S. history.
Despite the non-detonation of the bombs, the potential for substantial casualties was present, underscoring the importance of robust security protocols. The subsequent updates to Secret Service policies reflect a commitment to enhancing protection for high-profile figures in response to the stark realities exposed by this incident. As investigations continue, the safety of public officials and civilians remains a top priority against the backdrop of ongoing threats.
